[5] Walton played football for Northern Combination club North Shields Athletic, and was brought into their first team in late 1900, which according to the local newspaper was not before time.

[7] He continued to improve – originally a left-sided player,[6] he developed the ability to play equally well on the right, and within six months he signed for Football League First Division club Sheffield Wednesday.

[11][12] His performances with New Brompton earned him a move to Chelsea, who had joined the Football League a year earlier and were reportedly "glad to pay £200 to secure his transfer".

[1][14] Walton's part in Chelsea's first top-flight campaign lasted just 25 minutes: facing Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge in the opening fixture, he broke both tibia and fibula of his left leg in collision with an opponent.

[1][23] The 1939 Register records Walton having returned to his trade as a shipyard coppersmith, living in Tynemouth, Northumberland, with his wife, Janet née Crombie.